Carney expected to be top target in French-language leaders’ debate
Federal party leaders are gearing up for their first debate of the election campaign, set to take place this evening. The French-language debate is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the English debate on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Both debates will be held in Montreal at the CBC/Radio-Canada building downtown, in a large studio in its ground-floor atrium.
The time slot for this evening’s debate was adjusted by the Leaders’ Debates Commission following requests from parties to avoid conflicting with a Montreal Canadiens’ game with potential playoff implications. Additionally, the debate will now feature one less participant as the commission revoked Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault’s invitation due to the party not fielding enough candidates.
The French debate will cover a range of themes including the cost of living, energy and climate, the trade war, identity and sovereignty, and immigration and foreign affairs. Most of the leaders participating in the debate, moderated by Radio-Canada’s Patrice Roy, will be speaking in their second language. While French is the first language of Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is fluent, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is also comfortable in the language.
However, much scrutiny has been placed on Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s French skills, as this is his first election campaign. Political strategist Sandra Aubé noted that Carney’s challenge will be to stay on message and not get thrown off balance by his opponents. The debate presents an opportunity for leaders to connect with Quebec voters, as the province plays a significant role in determining the outcome of the election.
With 78 ridings in Quebec, it is crucial for leaders to appeal to voters in this region. The Bloc and NDP have seen a decline in support, with many Bloc supporters currently backing the Liberals in the polls. As the debate approaches, the leaders are focusing on presenting their visions for Canada and addressing key issues that resonate with voters in Quebec.
The removal of the Green Party from the debate has sparked controversy, as the party decided not to run candidates in certain ridings where Conservatives are favored to win. This move was seen as strategic and ultimately led to the Greens’ exclusion from the debate. The remaining leaders have been engaging with voters in Quebec through various platforms, discussing topics like supply management and religious symbols.
As the debate draws near, the pressure is on for leaders to deliver strong performances and connect with undecided voters. The stakes are high, and each leader is vying for support in a critical battleground. The audience for the debate is expected to be predominantly Quebecers, making it a pivotal moment in the campaign. The leaders are prepared to address tough questions and defend their platforms as they vie for the support of Canadian voters.
